Are you planning on visiting Vlorë? Good choice, as it’s a city with a very rich past and an equally inviting present. The first signs of civilisation in the area date back to the 6th century BC, while, now, the city acts as a great tourist resort. But what can you do in Vlorë? Today, we’ll cover the best places you can visit during your stay in Vlorë.
Vlorë
What to see in Vlorë?
Vlorë is a decently sized coastal town and resort in central Albania. You can get here by car or by ferry, for instance, from Brindisi. It’s mostly known as a sunny town full of beautiful long beaches, but that’s hardly all. Vlorë has plenty to offer, as we’ll show you below.
The two main streets and boulevards which run through the middle of Vlorë are Rruga Gjergj Kasiotrl and Ismail Qemali. The latter is where most of Vlorë’s interesting sites are, from the oldest mosque to amusement parks. This is also where you’ll find the Kuzum Baba hill. Despite the well functioning public transport, we’d also recommend renting a car to explore all the tourist attractions and charming little towns nearby. Also, prepare a sufficient amount of Albanian Leks, as, in some places, you’ll need to pay with cash.
Muradie Mosque
Xhamia e Muradies
The Muradie Mosque was built in 1542, designed by Mimar Sinan. He was one of the most famed Ottoman architects. On the outside, you’ll instantly notice the beautiful decorated wooden doors. It may also feel like a building out of its time, as it’s one of the two historical temples which have survived to this day here. And it only survived because, during the communist era, it was made into a museum of architecture. The mosque is located opposite to the main bus station.
Kuzum Baba Hill
Teqeja e Kuzum Babait
Kuzum Baba Hill is a natural terrace carved out by the sea. It’s the highest point in Vlorë, 30 metres high. The stairs leading to the top start in the centre of the city, opposite to the Muradie Mosque. At the top, you’ll find the Bektashi temple built around 1600. It refers to the Bektashi sect, most influential in the 17th century. The hill also takes its name from the sect, specifically from Sejjid Ali Sultan known as Father Kuzum, a Bektashi spiritual leader. He came to Albania to popularise this branch of Islam in Europe.
The hill itself offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the bay. There’s also a restaurant with an observational deck at the top.
Seaside promenade
Vlorë’s walkway
Vlorë’s promenade stretches out for several miles along a beach. The promenade is sheltered by a row of palm trees and flowers. It offers an incredible view of the islands sticking out of the sea surface and the huge ships passing by. The walkway is renovated and full of restaurants and cafes with Albanian cuisine.
Vlorë beaches
Which beach to choose in Vlorë?
Most of the coast in Vlorë is just sandy wide beaches. You’ll find plenty of shops, stalls and cafes alongside it if you need a snack break. If you’re looking for the best beaches in Albania, you’ll find strong contenders here. The best ones in town are: Plazhi and Vjeter, close to the centre, and Rr. Sazani, a bit further away, behind a forest. Be sure to pack strong sunscreen!
Kaninë Castle
Kalaja e Kaninës
You’ll find the ruins of Kaninë Castle about 4 miles from the centre of Vlorë. The fortifications stand on Mount Shushica, 380 metres above sea level, and cover almost 4 hectares. The castle was most likely built in the 3rd century BC. It was reconstructed by the Eastern Roman Emperor, Justinian I in the 6th century. The castle took over as the main stronghold of the Principality of Valona in future centuries, when Vlorë was a vassal state of the Serbian Empire.
As for today, though, the castle still offers beautiful views of the nearby hills, the city below, the sea, the Karaburun peninsula and the island of Sazani. Of course, the castle itself is mere ruins of its former self, but it’s still well worth a look.
Sazan Island
The largest island in Albania
Albania’s largest island lies partially within the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park. It’s located between the Strait of Otranto and the Bay of Vlorë, acting as the border between the two seas: the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. The island has a surprisingly rich history, as it passed from hand to hand for centuries.
Already, in 215 BC, Greek historians wrote of skirmishes with the Romans happening on Sazan. The island was under Byzantine rule, then, in the middle ages, it went to the Venetians. The island also belonged to the Ottomans in the middle ages, then it came under the protection of Britain in the 19th century, then Greece claimed the island. Finally, Italians joined the party in the 20th century, only for the USSR to take it over and use it as a navy base during the cold war. There’s still a naval base on the island utilised by the British Royal Navy as training grounds.
Today, you can reach the island by boat and explore the numerous tunnels and bunkers that were built to survive nuclear attacks. You can also spot many gas masks around the place from the time the Soviets occupied the island. There’s also plenty of beautiful flora and fauna here.
St Mary’s Monastery, Zvërnec
Monastiri i Shen Merise ne Zvernec
If you don’t mind the drive, then the tiny island of Zvërnec is located a 15-minute drive away from Vlorë. Not far from it you’ll find St Mary’s Monastery. A beautiful 270-metre-long wooden bridge leads to the island. The site has a bit of a past – mentally ill people were brought here to experience the grace of recovery. During the communist era, though, it was a place of exile for political prisoners.
If you’re wondering what else you can visit in Albania, you can also think of going to Sarandë or Durrës.
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